Cerf Island in the Seychelles : all about relaxation

Tiny Cerf Island is located just off the main island of Seychelles , Mahe . This is an excursion option half a day or a day that will diversify your stay in the Seychelles and help you get to know the amazing nature.

As if lost in the middle of the St. Anne's Marine Park, the green island of Cerf is surrounded by a magical underwater world and coral reef. It's tiny : 1.7 km wide and 800 meters long, so you can easily walk around it completely.

The island is located just 5 km from the capital of Seychelles , Victoria.

The highest point is 108 meters; three streams flowing from the top cross the island.

Depositphotos

Cerf Island

Cerf Island got its name from the frigate Le Cerf , anchored in front of the future capital in 1756. Captain Corneille Nicolas Morpheus, leader of the French expedition, officially became the owner of the Seychelles. Various coins discovered on the island led many to believe that pirate treasure was buried there, but it has never been found. Perhaps fortune will smile on you!

Cerf Island once had a thriving coconut industry, but only lush palm groves remain.

When you explore the island, you will find that everything here is mainly associated with two surnames: Lafontaine and Calais.

These families settled on the island more than a century ago. And now they make up a third of Cerf's small population , which numbers about 60 people.

Depositphotos

Cerf Island infrastructure

• You can only move around the island on foot. The island has little infrastructure and residential buildings. Surf has been supplied with water and electricity via underwater cables for about twenty years .
• The houses are mainly located on the flat areas of the western and northeastern coasts.
• Locals mostly work on Mahe and travel to the main island by boat every day.
• The journey takes only 5-7 minutes.
• Cerf Island also has a small church (St. James) and a helicopter landing pad, which offers stunning views of much of the Seychelles.

Depositphotos

Things to do on Cerf Island

• Snorkeling . Bring your fins and mask to discover the underwater kingdom of the national park. While snorkeling you can find rare black corals. Guide buoys are installed where there are particularly beautiful corals and where, compared to other places within the reef, there is a greater chance of encountering a variety of colorful fish. A small buoy road is located about 100 meters from the beach and runs parallel, helping even beginners navigate snorkeling. At night, the pier is illuminated, turning into a night aquarium. Looking from the bridge into the shallow waters, you will see turtles, small stingrays and countless colorful fish.
• Water activities . You can explore the Sainte-Anne National Marine Park by kayak and enjoy snorkeling in the afternoon. Or discover the island on a catamaran!
• Take a walk around the island. Lovers of nature and tranquility will definitely find peace on this island. There are no roads or shops, only nature in its original form.
• At low tide you can even walk around the entire island along the beach. There are a couple of overgrown jungle trails that criss-cross the island. The short walk around the island is worth it: Surf is home to rare species of plants and animals. The island has a small colony of fruit bats, a population of rare miniature chameleons and many giant tortoises. You can walk through the jungle from east to west in just 45 minutes.
• The hike starts on the south side of the island overlooking Victoria.
• Monsieur de Lafontaine's hut often receives tourists. Here you can try Creole dishes served under coconut trees.
• Nearby there is a ruined church and an orchid garden. Further on, the trees create a pleasant shade, especially if a light breeze blows from the sea. A short climb leads to a water tower on the right. There you can enjoy beautiful views of the ocean and small neighboring islands surrounded by clear waters.
• The northern part of the island is much more forested. Before reaching the magnificent beaches surrounded by coconut palms, you will come across several abandoned Calais family huts.
• There are often lonely houses on the coast. Rising above the old East Coast Road is the beautiful Cascade Church.
• Snorkeling . Have a picnic. On the island you will find relaxing picnics under the trees and Creole barbecues on the beach.
• Spa ​You can enjoy a spa treatment or a delicious meal at one of the island's three beach restaurants.
• Travel to a neighboring island. About 60 meters off the south coast of Cerf is the tiny uninhabited island of Cache, which can be reached simply by boat at low tide. On this side of the island you can see more private islands. If you decide to stay in Cerf for a few days, you can also take a boat trip to the neighboring islands of the St. Anne Marine National Park.

Depositphotos

How to get to Cerf Island from Mahe

Hotels offer tourists boat taxi (lagoon taxi) to Surf . In 5 minutes you are already there.

Experience blissful solitude and a Robinson Crusoe feeling at Surf .

Cerf Island is an amazing island that will make your stay unforgettable. It is ideal for those who crave a holiday close to nature, without wanting to be too far away from the rest of the world.

Depositphotos